Free alternative for Windows/Microsft Update

[Carol Haynes]

This looks interesting http://windowssecrets.com/comp/060713/ particularly if you want to more than just MS Windows and Office products and you want to avoid the recent Genuine Advatange paranoia of MS.

[Ampa]

If you are looking to update your Windows without using the MS service then why not try WinDiz Update.

Not as sophisticated as Carol's link, but perfect for a single home PC.

Ampa.

[Josh]

Personally, I wouldnt trust anyone BUT microsoft to update my computer as they know which files my computer requires. I have already chosen NOT to install the WGA notification stuff (Yes, it is possible), and the updates keep coming as they should.

 HFNetChk pro is a utility I might consider being that it utilizes the hfnetchk program (Microsoft's OWN tool used in its MBSA) to scan for needed patches. I have yet to verify the method that the other site uses, since it's not stated on their site.